pursuit
12 synonyms for pursuit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of chasing or seeking after something or someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pursuit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in pursuit of
leisure pursuit
high-speed pursuit
Etymology
From Old French poursuite, tied to the verb "to pursue" — literally the act of following after.
Full origin of pursuit →Frequently asked questions
What does “pursuit” mean?
The word “pursuit” means the act of chasing or seeking after something or someone. In plain terms, chasing or working toward something, or a hobby you regularly do.
How do you pronounce “pursuit”?
“Pursuit” is pronounced puh-SYOOT (/pɝˈsut/ in IPA).
How do you use “pursuit” in a sentence?
Here is “pursuit” used in a sentence: “The police gave chase in a high-speed pursuit through the city.”
What part of speech is “pursuit”?
“Pursuit” is a noun.
Where does the word “pursuit” come from?
The word “pursuit” comes from Old French. From Old French poursuite, tied to the verb "to pursue" — literally the act of following after.
Is “pursuit” a common word?
“Pursuit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pursuit” have?
“Pursuit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of chasing or seeking after something or someone.
What is the difference between 'pursuit' and 'chase'?
A chase usually means physically running after someone or something. Pursuit is broader and more formal, covering both physical chasing and the wider act of seeking after a goal, such as the pursuit of knowledge.
Can 'pursuit' mean a hobby?
Yes. Besides chasing or seeking, a pursuit can be a hobby or activity someone regularly does for enjoyment, as in 'reading is her favorite pursuit.' Such activities are often called leisure pursuits.
